Choreographer Toby reveals why Sushmita Sen and Hrithik Roshan deserve taking centre stage.
The choreographer reveals why Sushmita Sen and Hrithik Roshan deserve taking centre stage.
Sushmita Sen
- I met her for a show in Hong Kong where she was to dance on the ‘Mehboob mere’ (‘Fiza’) number.
- We struck a rapport instantly when she greeted me saying, “Hi! Sit and relax. Sorry to have kept you waiting.”
- She strikes a conversation easily. She’d even greet the group dancers with a ‘Hi!’ Once when she saw a male dancer sitting quietly in a corner, she went up to him and said, ‘There’s a lady wanting to meet you.’
- When you teach her, she’s all attention. She even asked me to come home and teach her the steps.
- She’s meant to be on stage and on screen. Her body movements and facial expressions are amazing once the camera is on.
- If she doesn’t like anything, she will be forthright about it. Yet she’s too soft-hearted to insult you ever.
- She treats her staff like her children. She enters her house with this huge smile. So enamoured they are with her, that I have often seen them blush in her presence.
- She’s very close to her daughter Rene. Half her heart is beating in her. They enjoy chatting with each other. She patiently hears Rene relating about her day at school. It’s a divine decision that they are together.
Hrithik Roshan
- As in his films, Hrithik puts his mind and soul even in his shows.
- He studies the sketch of the stage in detail including his entry and exit points. Before the show, he goes into deep thought and thinks over the number he has to enact.
- Though initially he wasn’t a great dancer, when I see him perform, I wonder whether he’s a better dancer or an actor.
- When he dances, he doesn’t hold back anything. He has a rubber-like body. His heart beats with the music. You can see it on his face.
- I don’t think he’s a master of any dance form. Rather, he masters whatever you teach him, be it jazz or Broadway.
- From the sound engineer to the light man to the choreographer all are important to him. At the same time, he never acts familiar and keeps his distance.
Toby's chart
- Assisted Farah Khan in ‘Joh Jeeta Wohi Sikander’
- Branched out first to choreograph the Nadeem Shravan Nite.
- Specialises in using themes, concepts and props for his stage shows.
- Choreographed Best of Broadway in Kathmandu.
- Choreographed the Fukuoka show titled Chai Chai in Japan at Space Park.
- Trained Mona Singh in ‘Jhalak Diklha Jaa’ and emerged as the winning duo.
As told to Farhana Farook
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